Senate President Bukola Saraki has acknowledged and replied a letter addressed to him by former president Olusegun Obasanjo.
In his letter, Obasanjo had accused members of the National Assembly of corruption and extravagant wastage of the nation’s resources despite the harsh economic reality confronting the nation. He had specifically alleged that the federal legislators allocated to themselves, salaries and allowances above the template approved by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission for National Assembly members.
Responding on his twitter handle (@bukolasaraki), Saraki thanked the former president for his active role in reminding those at the helms of affairs of their responsibilities.
He assured the former president that the leadership and membership of the 8th Senate are committed to good governance, transparency, accountability, due process and responsiveness to the economic reality of our nation.
“It is for this reason that the legislative chamber has introduced bold and progressive reforms in the management of the finances of the National Assembly,” he said.
“This is of even greater importance during a tough fiscal period for our country. Like i said during my closing address at the plenary after our debate on the 2016 Budget, the Senate must lead by example in terms of our own funding, budgets and accountability – showing, beyond doubt, value for money.
“I have canvassed that we must lay bare the budget of the Senate, nay the National Assembly and its affiliated institutions.”
Saraki further wrote that he canvassed the need to strengthen the capacity of the legislative institution to carry our effective oversight of the executive arm so that the lawmakers can ensure the budget leads to the realization of the policy objectives of the Buhari Administration.
“Again, let me reiterate my position in the speech i made this morning on the need for us to work towards blocking all areas of revenue leakages while also strengthening the anti-corruption agencies so that the little resources that are now available will serve the interest of the overwhelming majority,” he added.
“As a former President and a father of the nation that we all hold in high esteem, i intend to reply the letter and outline the actions the Senate is taking to address his concerns.”
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